Researchers discover plastic-eating bacteria from wetlands of Greater Noida
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Researchers discover plastic-eating bacteria from wetlands of Greater Noida

The bacterial strains have the potential to decompose polystyrene which is a key component in single

Researchers discover plastic-eating bacteria from wetlands of Greater Noida Representative Image

After the recognition of plastic as a threat to the environment, there has been quite a movement against its use worldwide. Amid such a scenario, researchers have discovered two strains of 'plastic-eating' bacteria from the wetlands of Greater Noida. 

As disclosed by the researchers from Shiv Nadar University, the bacterial strains have the potential to decompose polystyrene which is a key component in single-use plastic items.

An official from the university talking to TOI said, “The researchers were able to isolate bacterial species namely Exiguobacterium sibiricum strain DR11 and Exiguobacterium undae strain DR14.”

Historially, it was very difficult to decompose Polystyrene because of its high molecular weight and long chain polymer structure.  

As per the industry estimates, there is a consumption of about 16.5 million metric tonnes of plastic annually in India. Its adverse impact on environment was causing a lot of concerns among residents.